Homey Rustic Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Joy!

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm rustic apple pie dump cake waft through the kitchen, promising a delightful dessert that’s both simple and irresistible.

Comfort baking doesn’t get easier than this crowd-pleasing treat.

Layers of tender apples mingle with buttery cake crumbs, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Pantry staples come together in minutes, making this recipe a go-to for last-minute gatherings.

Crisp edges and soft center guarantee every bite is pure bliss.

The magic happens when basic ingredients transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this effortless dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

What Goes into the Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe

• Apple Pie Filling: Provides the luscious fruity foundation, choose a high-quality brand with robust apple chunks for maximum texture and flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the apple base, look for fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon for the best taste.
• Nutmeg: Delivers subtle, earthy warmth that complements the apple's sweetness, use freshly grated for more intense flavor.

• Dry Cake Mix: Creates the quick, crumbly topping, select a classic vanilla or yellow cake mix for traditional results.

• Butter: Ensures a rich, golden crust and helps the cake mix crisp up beautifully, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Chopped Nuts: Offers delightful crunch and nutty complexity, pecans or walnuts work wonderfully for extra texture.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides creamy coolness that contrasts the warm cake.
• Whipped Cream: Adds light, airy sweetness to complement the dessert.

Tools You Need for Apple Pie Dump Cake

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the dump cake, providing the perfect size and shape.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning, especially for the cake mix and spices.
• Knife: Needed for cutting butter into slices and chopping nuts if desired.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for spreading pie filling and cake mix evenly in the dish.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dishes and protecting hands.

Instructions to Make Apple Pie Dump Cake Perfectly

• Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Delicious Layers

Spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the dish like a cozy blanket. If you’re feeling adventurous, dust some cinnamon and nutmeg over the fruit for extra warmth. Next, shower the dry cake mix over the apples, making sure every inch is covered. Dot butter slices across the top so they’ll melt beautifully during baking. Sprinkle nuts on top if you want some crunch.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it transform for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with deliciousness.

• Serve with Joy

Allow the cake to cool just a bit, then dig in! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes this dessert absolutely irresistible. Enjoy every single bite of this effortless, mouthwatering treat.

Tips for Apple Pie Dump Cake Success

• Quick Crust Trick: Melt butter completely before pouring over cake mix to ensure even, crispy golden top coverage every single time.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different pie filling variations like peach, cherry, or mixed berry to create unique dessert experiences that surprise your taste buds.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace traditional cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives for those managing dietary restrictions without compromising delicious taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dump cake up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from cold state – perfect for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.
• Nutty Texture Enhancement: Toast nuts before sprinkling on top to intensify their flavor and create an extra crunch that elevates the dessert's overall texture and taste profile.

Serving Apple Pie Dump Cake Like Dessert Royalty

• Sweet Ice Cream Companion: Top the warm apple pie dump cake with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold, smooth sweetness melt slightly into the warm, crumbly cake for a delightful temperature contrast.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving to add a delicious crunch and enhance the cake's rustic, homemade feel with a nutty complexity.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: Slowly pour warm caramel sauce over each slice, allowing the golden liquid to cascade down the sides and create a rich, indulgent finish that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Whipped Cream Elegance: Add a soft, billowy dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, creating a light and airy accompaniment that balances the cake's dense and sweet profile.

Save & Reheat Apple Pie Dump Cake

• Smart Meal Planning: Make this dump cake ahead of time for family gatherings or weekend desserts. Prepare the entire dish and refrigerate unbaked, then simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
• Quick Storage Solution: Store leftover apple pie dump cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual cooled slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen dump cake slices stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire recipe through the layering stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves time during busy meal preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Rustic Apple Pie Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pie dump cake delivers classic American dessert comfort with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation guarantee a delightful sweet treat that will satisfy dessert cravings in no time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 (21 oz / 595 g) cans apple pie filling
• 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) box yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, sliced thin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• vanilla ice cream
• whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, creating a non-stick foundation for the dessert.
2. Layering: Spread apple pie filling evenly across the bottom, forming a luscious fruity base, then sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg to infuse aromatic warmth throughout the mixture.
3. Topping Construction: Gently cascade dry cake mix over the apple filling, ensuring complete coverage, and strategically place cold butter slices across the surface to guarantee a rich, golden crust during baking.
4. Optional Enhancement: Scatter chopped nuts across the top for an additional textural dimension and delightful crunch.
5. Baking Process: Transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing the ingredients to harmonize and transform for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and edges bubble enticingly.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and let the cake rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Ensure even cake mix distribution to avoid moisture-heavy, undercooked sections underneath the apple filling.
• Butter Placement Strategy: Position cold butter slices evenly across the surface for consistent melting and golden-brown crust development.
• Spice Balance Control: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personal taste, avoiding overpowering flavors that might mask the apple’s natural sweetness.
• Nut Optional Customization: Swap chopped nuts with alternatives like granola, coconut flakes, or omit entirely for nut-free or allergy-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg